DURBAN, South Africa (AP) -- The Sharks say they have signed former England and British Lions prop Matt Stevens for two years and the front-rower will return to Durban to play in this year's Currie Cup.

The Sharks say Stevens, who was born in Durban, will join in August.

Sharks chief executive John Smit says Stevens' "versatility" makes him "a great acquisition to our squad." He will provide backup for the Sharks in the Currie Cup when Springboks front-rowers Tendai Mtawarira and Jannie du Plessis are likely to be on international duty.

Now with Saracens, the 31-year-old Stevens played 44 tests before retiring in 2012. He was banned for two years from 2009-11 after a positive drug test for cocaine.